The Legal Drinking Age in Korea

Many foreign travelers continue to arrive in Korea to experience the distinct culture and tradition the country offers while others are looking to indulge themselves with amazing Korean food. And in recent years, the Korean nightlife seems to have been added to travelers’ list of things to do when they visit this vibrant country. Korean nightlife provides a one-of-a-kind experience, most definitely involving rounds of drinking and bar hopping. But do you know how old you should be in order to legally drink or purchase alcoholic beverages in Korea? 

Photo: 세계일보

The current legal drinking age in Korea is set at 19. However, there is a catch. People who travel to Korea might or might not be familiar with the peculiar Korean age system, which is perhaps entirely different from what they are used to back home. In Korea, you are 1 year old the moment you are born and age another year on New Year’s Day. While this system affects Korean locals in terms of the legal drinking age, international visitors need not worry as it does not make you any younger. In short, the drinking age in Korea remains 19 years old for non-Korean residents and travelers.

In my opinion, the legal drinking age in Korea is not strictly enforced compared to other countries. But, this by no means means that underage drinking in Korea is tolerated. In fact, the police in recent years have stepped up their efforts to ensure people are conforming to the law. They monitor bars, clubs, and places that deal with alcoholic beverages more closely and discourage them to serve alcoholic drinks to young people by introducing heavy fines and punishments.

If you have been living in Korea for the past few years, you must have noticed that almost all bartenders check your ID before you can order alcoholic drinks on their premises. If you are a long-term resident, you can simply present your ARC to prove your age when you go out for drinks. For those who are temporary visitors, make sure you have your passport handy if you plan on having a night out in Korea. While some local drinking places and restaurants might accept your foreign student ID or other forms of identification, more populated areas renowned for their vibrant nightlife cultures like Hongdae and Gangnam tend to be more strict with checking ID and only accept a valid ARC or a passport for foreign customers. 

Korea does not have open-container laws, meaning public drinking is allowed and is in fact a very common activity for both young and elderly people. If you go out to Seoul’s iconic Han River, you will see many groups of students chatting over a can of beer while enjoying the night view. But even in the cases of drinking outside, make sure you are following the drinking age when you purchase alcoholic drinks at a convenience store or supermarket. 

For instance, you can easily find and hire a chauffeur who can drive your car and take you back home on this app that you can link to your Kakao Talk. (Download: iOS / Google Play)

Last but by no means least, do not even think about drinking and driving in Korea as drunk driving laws are much more strictly enforced and punished than the legal drinking age. Make use of Korea’s cheap and convenient public transport if you plan on drinking. If your car is with you but you cannot miss your important friend’s birthday party, book a chauffeur - ‘daeri unjeon’ (대리운전) - to help you get back home safe and sound.